The Office of National Statistics state that a staggering 130,989 car thefts were recorded in England and Wales last year. With thefts rising by 24.9% year-on-year, there is seemingly no better time than to think about an outdoor security camera to keep your car and garage secure.
After all, if a good dashcam keeps an eye on other cars, then it may be worth having an outdoor security camera to keep an eye on your car.
Outdoor security cameras are exactly what they say on the tin. You install them outside your home - facing your driveway - and they act as a deterrent to cruel-minded thieves interested in your car. Furthermore, as a car is likely going to be the second most expensive commitment you'll make after a house, it's a great idea to keep close tabs on it.
What can deter a thief the most?
In most cases, thieves want to get away with a vehicle as quickly as possible without being seen. Modern cars can be swiped in well under a minute, with key cloning and radar signal replication are the most common methods.
The best outdoor security cameras at a glance:
Editor's pick: Ring Outdoor Stick Up Cam - buy now from Amazon.
The most eco-friendly outdoor security camera: ieGeek ZS-GX3S - buy now from Amazon.
The most advanced outdoor security camera: Ring Floodlight Wired Cam Pro - buy now from Amazon.
As well as taking your own precautions such as a steering wheel lock, an outdoor security camera can also act as a deterrent. If it sounds an alarm and reads the thieves' faces clearly, they may be inclined to flee the scene.
But if you don't have access to a garage and security add-ons, having as many eyes on your vehicle as possible does help.
The best outdoor security cameras
The most cost effective outdoor security camera
Via BlinkWith no fiddly wiring or professional installation needed, setting up the Blink wireless smart security camera couldn't get simpler. Just throw in the included batteries, create an account on the Blink app, connect the camera to your Wifi network, and job done.
The Blink even works with Alexa, so you can view your driveway from a smart monitor as well as your phone. However, to be able to save and share clips, you do need a separate Blink subscription plan which could be a bit of a hindrance in emergency situations.
Pros
- Very easy to install
- Weatherproof
- Easy to use
Cons
- Separate Blink subscription plan needed to save/share clips
Editor's pick
Via RingThe Ring outdoor cam is another smart security camera with ease at heart. Simply stick the mount on a wall or flat surface, pair it to your preferred devices, and that's it.
As well as a clear 1080p view, the Ring is paired with Alexa and comes with adjustable motion detection. The downside is that while you get a 30-day free trial with Ring Protect, you'll have to pay £3.49 a month per device.
Pros
- Very easy to install
- Can be viewed via Alexa
Cons
- Subscription required
The best equipped outdoor security camera
Via Eufy SecurityWith a tremendous 6 months of power on a single charge, the twin Eufy outdoor security cameras easily have a two week break covered if you're away and want to keep an eye on your driveway. With a 135° view recorded in 1080p HD, it can provide a detailed view of your driveway when needed.
The kit comes with human body recognition as well as a spotlight to shine more light onto the detected motion. There are also no monthly fees to pay, meaning you won't have to sign up for a separate subscription to view and share your clips. However, with only 16GB of storage, you may need to be selective of which clips to save.
Pros
- 6 month battery charge
- No added monthly subscriptions
- Easy to use
Cons
- Only has 16GB of storage
The most advanced outdoor security camera
Via RingIf you're the sort of person to shine a light on fellow visitors, then Ring offers a wired outdoor security camera with built-in twin LED floodlights. It comes with 3D motion detection and a birds eye view feature, which provides an aerial map of your home showing the proceedings of a motion event. It has customisable motion zones, meaning you can effectively set your car as a focus point.
The Floodlight Pro can display a 1080p HD resolution as well as the ability to talk to visitors from home or your mobile device via a Two-Way Talk system. It is a wired outdoor security camera, so a professional installation is recommended. Some areas however, may legally require a professional electrician to install the setup.
As with some other options, a subscription is required for either £3.49 a month per device or £8 a month per household.
Pros
- Floodlights for added visibility
- 3D motion detection with aerial view
- High resolution
Cons
- Subscription required
- Professional installation by electrician required
The most eco friendly outdoor security camera
Via ieGeekReleased only in April of 2023, the ZS-GX3S is one of ieGeek's newest solutions to outdoor security. For one, the camera is charged using the additional solar panel - which makes this the most environmentally-friendly way to keep tabs on your car. ieGeek can also sell the same model with batteries if you prefer.
It also comes with a 2K display, human motion sensor, and a siren spotlight alert which picks up movement during the night. With a simple and wireless setup, it is a compelling option for those environmentally conscious and don't fancy a fuss.
Pros
- Good for the environment
- Crisp picture display
Cons
- Requires screws to install
What should I consider when buying an outdoor security camera?
As well as the basic things like cost and how it can be positioned on your home, there are quite a few things.
Chief among which is installation: wireless outdoor camera only require a 5 minute installation and pairing process with your Wifi-connected devices. Possibly an easier process than setting up a Scalextric circuit. However, wired ones that run through the mains will probably require the professional installation of a qualified electrician.
Why have I got to pay a subscription to save my own clips?
This is usually the case with most smart outdoor security camera systems. After washing your car using shampoo, you still need to pay a monthly water bill. It's the same principle here, although you have to scroll deep before finding the small print.
Ring for example, gives you the option to pay £3.49 a device per month or £8 a month per household. The latter gives you the option of adding as many devices as you like.
Then again, if those small payments mean the car is protected, then surely it's worth considering. You probably love and cherish that car like your favourite teddy. And knowing that there's an extra layer of protection can ease your mind, so you can enjoy some PC racing games in your spare time.
Which cars need outdoor security cameras the most?
Given that some insurers are refusing to cover Range Rovers in London, we'd probably suggest those.
Aaron Hussain is a commercial content writer at Bauer Media writing for Parkers and CAR. He is obsessed with classic cars and anything with a fascinating story to tell.